On Dec. 2, a press page for the media commentator linked to a GiveSendGo campaign seeking financial support for “the rise of new media.” The media fund launch came a day after a federal jury ruled that Milagro Cooper, known as Milagro Gramz, defamed and harassed the Grammy-winning rapper.
“In an era where legacy media gatekeepers decide what you see, hear, and think, a new generation of independent creators is breaking through, but independence comes at a cost,” Cooper wrote in the campaign description. “No billionaire backers. No corporate ad dollars with strings attached. Just raw determination… and the support of people who believe information should be free, fearless, and in the hands of those who earn your trust every single day.”
“Every dollar you give goes straight to the front lines of independent media; no middlemen, no agenda, no filter,” she added. “When you back new media, you’re not just consuming content; you’re defending a principle: The right to speak. The right to question. The right to know.”
Cooper’s push for “new media” comes after a federal jury of five men and four women sided with Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Pete, in her lawsuit accusing Cooper of acting as a “mouthpiece,” “puppet,” and “paid surrogate” for Tory Lanez, who shot Megan in Los Angeles on July 15, 2020, and was later convicted. The jury initially awarded $75,000, which U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga later reduced to $59,000 in a final ruling on Dec. 2.
The financial strain on Cooper comes amid personal challenges she revealed during the trial, including a reported negative bank balance of $10,000 and telling the court, “I have had to prioritize how to feed my kids.” Her legal battle also led to lost income, including the termination of her Stationhead contract, which had paid her over $6,000 per month.
Following the verdict, Cooper took to social media to post a video thanking her fans for their support and sarcastically claiming she plans to release a mixtape since”the only place where you can bully people and talk crazy and pop sh*t is in the studio.”
Blogger Milagro Gramz isn't letting a lawsuit loss against Megan Thee Stallion keep her from speaking out and throwing shade at the rapper.
On Monday (Dec. 1), shortly after news that a jury found Milagro "Gramz" Cooper liable of defamation, promotion of an altered sexual… pic.twitter.com/DUuyoCJT9c
Jurors determined that Cooper deliberately urged her thousands of followers on X and Instagram to watch a sexually explicit deepfake video of Megan circulating online. Megan has stated that she has been struggling with mental health challenges since the Tory Lanez shooting and the subsequent harassment from Cooper.
Instacart Files Lawsuit Against New York City Over Latest Laws Affecting Workers
The company claims that the new laws 'threatens to eliminate earnings opportunities for as many as 40% of Instacart shoppers in New York City.'
As the city of New York prepares to implement new laws for grocery delivery workers, Instacart filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing that the regulations would harm consumers and grocers.
According to Reuters, the company filed a lawsuit Dec. 2 in Manhattan Federal Court, citing several laws that directly affect the San Francisco-based Instacart. The laws will take effect Jan. 26, and the company claims they will harm customers and grocers by raising delivery costs.
They state that Congress prohibits state and local governments from regulating prices and services for customers of platforms like theirs. They also note that the U.S. Constitution prevents states and local governments from discriminating against companies that earn revenue from out-of-state operations.
The lawsuit challenges Local Law 124. This law requires companies to offer grocery delivery workers the same minimum pay as restaurant delivery workers. They also challenge Local Law 107, which requires consumers to be given the option to tip at least 10% of the purchase price or manually enter a tip amount.
In a blog post, Instacart explains why it has taken legal action.
“It threatens to eliminate earnings opportunities for as many as 40% of Instacart shoppers in New York City — equal to the share of restaurant delivery workers who lost access to work when a similar law took effect in 2023, according to the city’s own data. At the same time, the law is expected to increase grocery delivery costs for hardworking NYC families and could dent demand and sales for local grocers in the city.”
In the lawsuit, the company says, “Instacart’s business depends on the flexibility, independence, and convenience that its platform offers. The local laws will degrade that business.”
When the new laws are implemented next year, the company will be forced to change how it does business in the city.
“Instacart will be forced to restructure its platform, restrict shoppers’ access to work, disrupt relationships with consumers and retailers, and suffer constitutional injuries with no adequate legal remedy,” the complaint said.
Stockton’s Famous Vice-Mayor, Jason Lee, Speaks Out Against Recent Mass Shooting
Lee reflected on the past murder of his own brother as he encouraged the suspect to turn himself in.
Stockton’s famous vice-mayor, Jason Lee, is speaking out against a recent tragedy in the California community.
The media personality turned local politician is condemning a mass shooting in the central Californian city. According to CNN, the shooting occurred at a child’s birthday party on Nov. 29, with the fatal incident leaving three children and one adult dead, ages 8, 9, 14, and 21. Eleven others also endured wounds, as the suspect remains at large.
Lee attended a vigil the following day in Stockton, where he denounced the incident that left several kids dead. CBS News Sacramento shared footage of local leaders, including Lee, speaking at the vigil.
“What I will say to the people that did this is: it’s never been gangsta to kill kids. Never,” shared the Hollywood Unlocked founder. “You went to a birthday party and shot people’s children … Parents brought their children out, and they left with medical examiners. That is not human.”
The vice-mayor continued, remarking on his own personal history with gun violence. He shared his thoughts on vengeance following his brother’s murder. However, instead of inflicting even more harm, he chose a more redeeming path.
“And I will say to those who are thinking of retaliation: when my brother got murdered, I thought about it too. It’s human to want to hurt people who hurt people you love. But I had a choice to make,” Lee continued. “I hope that the people out there in our community make the right choice and contact law enforcement.”
He encouraged those involved and anyone with information to come forward, helping the families gain justice for these young stolen lives.
Lee added, “Call me, call the mayor, call whoever you know, call the pastors, call your friend, turn yourself in. Because at some point, the redemption for what you did is going to happen when you see the person who created you. But you can start that process by turning yourself in and doing the right thing today.”
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office released a statement indicating the incident was likely targeted, though it was unclear whether or not it was gang-related. They remain on the hunt for the killer.
As for Lee, the Stockton native first entered politics in November of last year with a successful run for City Council, representing District 6. This January, Stockton’s Mayor, Christina Fugazi, appointed him as vice mayor.
‘She Did That.’ Holiday Bazaar Returns With A Mission To Lift Black Entrepreneurs
Renae Bluitt already has visions for expansion
When Renae Bluitt looks at the journey of She Did That Holiday Bazaar, she can’t help but feel a sense of awe. What started with fewer than 10 vendors in a Harlem beauty shop has grown into New York City’s most intentional holiday marketplace for Black women founders — and now, thanks to a powerful partnership, Black men entrepreneurs as well.
On Dec. 6, the Bazaar returns to Brooklyn’s Industry City for a day dedicated to “celebrating Black entrepreneurship, building community, and shopping with purpose,” as stated in the event’s official release. Bluitt, the founder and executive producer of She Did That, calls this gathering “the most important work that I’ve done in my entire career.”
“In my early years of my career, I was doing PR in the agency and corporate world. I started my own consultancy, at which point I got to get a really intimate look at how small businesses, particularly those run by Black women, were being operated,” Bluitt said. “I was just so impressed with how much Black women are able to do with so very few resources. I was just so inspired. And I was like, people need to hear these women’s stories.”
She built that platform first with the In Her Shoes blog, then the She Did That. documentary, and today, a whole ecosystem. “I really believe in this community,” Bluitt told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It’s more than people just participating in the events. These women are showing up for each other throughout the year. We are showing up for them throughout the year with different opportunities and really creating an ecosystem for us all to be able to lean into each other and not just survive, but thrive and do it together.”
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Bluitt acknowledges the economic pressure many founders are under right now. “This has been one of the most challenging years,” she said. “Small businesses are dealing with tariffs, they’re dealing with inflation, and funding has always been a challenge for small businesses, particularly owned by us.”
That’s why the Holiday Bazaar remains urgent. “At its core, the Holiday Bazaar is offering one of the most fundamental human needs, which is to be seen,” Bluitt said. “As much as this is a shopping event, it’s also a marketing platform for small businesses.”
Bluitt sees the Bazaar as a place where founders can strengthen their customer base, be discovered by corporate decision-makers, and unlock partnerships that live long after one weekend. “We’ve seen that happen. So that’s like part of the magic of what we’ve created.”
With this year’s community push urging consumers to spend exclusively with Black-owned brands during the holiday rush via a mass shopping blackout, Bluitt believes the Bazaar gives people a tangible way to follow through.
“The Holiday Bazaar is giving people really no excuses,” Bluitt says. “Posting on social is great, but then what is the action behind it?” she said. “This event gives people a chance to come out, shop over 60 Black women and men-owned brands, be in community, enjoy great food and great music.”
For Bluitt, conscious commerce isn’t just a seasonal gesture. “My vision is for us to think about each day: how can we invest in a small business in our community? If we did that, we could really be powerful and shift some of the energy around what’s happening right now in our community.”
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This year’s vendor list spans beauty, wellness, fashion, home, and children’s products. “We are super excited about everyone,” Bluitt said, but she spotlighted a few standouts:
• Born to Roam, an LA-based accessories brand known for its dramatic hats — including the viral cowboy hat worn throughout Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour. “I personally love her hat. So excited to have her joining us.”
• Zuri Rose, a children’s brand featuring dolls, books, and accessories. “It’s really kind of like one-stop shopping for little girls.”
• The Black Man Can, partnering again for the He Did That. Marketplace, offering branded totes and hoodies as well as affirmation cards for men.
• Never Settle, an apparel brand with “beautiful varsity jackets, hoodies.”
Shoppers can expect the perfect pairing: “Shopping and food go hand in hand.” Favorites like The Crabby Shack, BCake NY (“she’s actually been with us for all nine years”), and vegan hotspot Aunts et Uncles will all be on-site.
Last year, Bluitt introduced the He Did That. Marketplace — a dedicated space for Black men-owned brands — in partnership with The Black Man Can. She said the idea was born from listening.
“Since the beginning of She Did That., the fellas have been like, what about ‘He Did That’?” Bluitt recalls. “It kicked off last year, and it was a huge, huge hit.”
“Now, more than ever, we need to lock arms with each other… and make sure we’re keeping each other lifted so that we can just stay above water,” Bluitt says.
In addition to shopping, this year introduces a partnership with One Love Community Fridge, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity across Brooklyn. Attendees will be able to support the mission on-site.
Bluitt said the choice felt deeply aligned. “We’re seeing a lot of people in our community dealing with food insecurity… I love that One Love… you’re able to get donations, no questions asked, on healthy foods that are really nourishing your mind and your body.”
Above all else, Bluitt wants guests to leave the Bazaar with joy and hope.
“That room, for me, is filled with joy from the moment the merchants come in,” she says. “The room is buzzing. The music is taking over the space, there’s laughter,” she said. “That joy is infectious and so needed now more than ever.”
The event also offers something priceless in an increasingly isolated world. “It’s very easy when you’re working from home to look up, and you haven’t seen or touched another human in 40 or 72 hours,” Bluitt admits. “Being in this event is a beautiful reminder of the goodness in our community.”
When it comes to the future of the She Did That. Holiday Bazaar, Bluitt already has visions for expansion. “I would love to make it a two-day experience. I’d love to add a mentorship element and a funding piece, whether it’s a pitch competition or a grant,” she adds. She dreams of bringing celebrity entrepreneurs like Tracee Ellis Ross into the fold to share their own stories and experiences. “There are a handful of celebrities that I would love to bring into this space.”
This year, attendees can also grab a limited-edition shopping tote designed in collaboration with Maya Winston, available via Eventbrite. “It’s only $20, and it’s something that people will be able to use for shopping all year round,” Bluitt notes.
“There’s still time to get your tickets and join us,” Bluitt emphasizes. “This is a good time to tap into that community joy.”
Tickets for the Bazaar, taking place from noon to 6 pm on Dec. 6 at Industry City, areavailable on Eventbrite. For more information on She Did That., visit the website.
Adobe Analytics, which monitors 1 trillion online retail visits, reports that AI-powered shopping tools fueled a surge in U.S. online Black Friday spending, Reuters reports. American shoppers used chatbots to compare prices and grab discounts, avoid crowded stores, and navigate tariff-driven price concerns.
“Consumers are using new tools to get to what they need faster,” said Suzy Davidkhanian, an analyst at eMarketer. “Gift giving can be stressful, and LLMs (large language models) make the discovery process feel quicker and more guided.”
Black Friday unfolded amid tighter budgets, a weakened job market with unemployment near a four-year high, and U.S. consumer confidence at a seven-month low, prompting shoppers to watch every dollar. Yet AI-driven traffic to U.S. retail sites jumped 805% from last year, when tools like Walmart’s Sparky or Amazon’s Rufus hadn’t launched yet.
Top Black Friday buys included LEGO sets, Pokémon cards, gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, and products from Apple AirPods to KitchenAid mixers. Salesforce reported that U.S. consumers spent $18 billion online, up 3% from last year, with luxury apparel and accessories among the most popular categories.
By Cyber Monday, U.S. shoppers had spent $14.25 billion, bringing total online sales over the Thanksgiving weekend to $44.2 billion. Cyber Week spending—from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday—rose 7.7% compared to last year’s 8.2% increase to $41.1 billion, surpassing prior expectations of $43.7 billion.
“This year’s record turnout reflects a highly engaged consumer who is focused on value, responds to compelling promotions, and seizes upon the opportunity to make the winter holidays special and meaningful,” said NRF CEO Matthew Shay.
Analysts noted that consumers stayed cautious this year, carefully monitoring prices to avoid impulse purchases. Many shoppers turned to AI-powered tools, such as chatbots, to browse and compare products across categories like appliances, toys, video games, and jewelry.
Craig Williams, Former Jordan Brand President, Out At Nike
The executive was most recently EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Nike
A recent corporate shakeup at Nike has resulted in EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Craig Williams no longer serving in that role.
In a letter to Nike employees, Elliot Hill, president and CEO of the brand, informed staff members that the moves were made to “remove layers” and bring the company closer to athletes and the marketplace.
Williams joined Nike in January 2019 and played an integral role in Jordan Brand, where he was previously president before Sarah Mensah took over the position in 2023, moving him to become president of Geographies & Marketplace for Nike.
Craig Williams to Leave Nike + More Changes to Senior Leadership Team at the Swoosh https://t.co/V3qK4sIst2
“As part of this shift, we’re eliminating the role of EVP, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), currently held by Craig Williams,” Hill said in a letter to the team at Nike. “I want to thank Craig for his important role in advancing our marketplace strategy as CCO and for his leadership of the Jordan Brand. Throughout his time at Nike and Jordan, Craig has united teams around the world through his passion for our brands, commitment to excellence, and value-based leadership. We wish him the best in his next chapter.”
Before joining Nike, Williams worked at The Coca-Cola Company, where he served as senior vice president and president of The McDonald’s Division Worldwide. His responsibilities included growing the total beverage category globally in restaurants. Before joining Coca-Cola, Williams spent three years at CIBA Vision Corp. in global marketing. He took that position after seven years at Kraft Foods Inc., where he worked in brand management and new product development, and five years in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Power Officer.
Williams attended Northwestern University, where he earned an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Benedict College. He is currently a board member at Capital One.
Target’s Black Friday Goodie Bag Promotion Called ‘A Big Fail’ By Customers On Social Media
Retail consultants called the promotion “a big fail” as Target attempts to regain customer trust.
Shoppers nationwide looked forward to cashing in on Black Friday deals at major retailers — except Target — where shoppers are calling the company out on social media for feeling scammed out of what was supposed to be holiday goodie bags, The New York Post reported.
The now-controversial retailer promised the first 100 customers to arrive on Black Friday would receive a “limited edition iridescent holiday tote filled with fun giveaways,” in addition to the first 10 people in line getting extra “surprises” of goodies, including a Laifen hair dryer, Ninja slushie machine, or Beats headphones. However, customers on social media reveal that wasn’t the case.
Shoppers who were lured in by the deal dragged the retailer on social media, painting themselves as disappointed. One customer posted to X showing what was in the iridescent branded bags — a box of Uno cards, Nerds candy, protein powder packs and more. “Waited hours for those ‘swag bags’ just to get… this? What a freaking joke,” @abbeydry9572 wrote.
“Y’all hyped it up like it was Christmas morning and handed us a bag of nothing. Guess I’ll go play Uno with everyone else who got played today. Absolute scam-level disappointment.@Target.”
Waited hours for those ‘swag bags’ just to get… this? 😂 What a freaking joke. Y’all hyped it up like it was Christmas morning and handed us a bag of nothing. Guess I’ll go play Uno with everyone else who got played today. Absolute scam-level disappointment. @Targetpic.twitter.com/EYvizhs65V
One customer went so far as to compare the “goodies” to what people receive on electronic benefits transfer cards used for food stamps. “You mean to tell me Target couldn’t afford a thick throw blanket, a gift card, some spa products and maybe some fuzzy slippers in the swag bags?” @terribphotog said.
“A billion-dollar company just showed the world what they really think of us … Just trash, that gift was EBT.”
You mean to tell me Target 🎯 couldn’t afford a thick throw blanket, a gift card, some spa products and maybe some fuzzy slippers in the swag bags .. a billion dollar company just showed the world what they really think of us … Just trash, that gift was EBT…
Retail consultants like Lisa Miller called the promotion “a big fail” as Target attempts to regain customer trust. “A swag bag from Target would set expectations, but it was filled with cheap lip gloss, travel-size shampoo and a deck of cards,” she said.
According to Business Insider, Target’s incoming CEO, Michael Fiddelke, has made commitments to improving the shopping experience for the company’s customers. The goodie bag scheme was just one of several ways the retailer has tried to lure customers back in to boost sales and profitability. The company recently hosted a special release event for Taylor Swift’s latest album, featuring a festive “whimsical Alpine world” setup.
After dialing back on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Target suffered a significant blow, including a boycott in May 2025. As a result, the company was forced to dump 1,800 jobs — close to 8% of its corporate workforce — in October 2025.
Trump Administration Threatens To Withhold SNAP Benefits From Blue States That Fail To Release Immigration Data
Rollins claims the effort is to sniff out program fraud.
In another battle involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, the Trump administration is threatening to withhold funds from blue or Democratic-leaning states that fail to submit data on their immigration status by Dec. 8, the Associated Press reports.
During a Dec. 2 cabinet meeting, Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins said withholding funds could occur because some states are refusing to submit requested data, such as the names and immigration statuses of SNAP recipients. “We have sent Democrat States yet another request for data, and if they fail to comply, they will be provided with a formal warning that USDA will pull their administrative funds,” the agency said in a statement.
Rollins claims the effort is to sniff out program fraud. Letters were sent to the states in late November 2025 to pressure compliance; however, the Dec. 8 deadline was agreed upon.
The District of Columbia and 22 states sued the federal government over the request, which was first made in February 2025. In a successful suit, a San Francisco-based federal judge banned the administration from collecting such data from those states. Federal law permits the USDA to hold back some money states receive for SNAP for failing to comply; however, experts like Georgetown University law professor David Super say “there’s never authority to withhold the SNAP benefits and, in this case, there’s also no authority to withhold the administrative funding.”
According to NBC News, roughly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, also known as food assistance or food stamps. Rollins revealed that 29 Republican-led states have complied, including North Carolina, which has a Democratic governor. But states like California, New York, and Minnesota, which are known to be on President Donald Trump’s radar, haven’t budged in their refusal.
Leaders of those states reacted to Rollins’ threats with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul asking on X, “Why is the Trump Administration so hellbent on people going hungry?”
Genuine question: Why is the Trump Administration so hellbent on people going hungry? https://t.co/UNRcJUlpwe
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison labeled Rollins’ statement as a way to “punish … political rivals.” “It’s nothing short of ridiculous that the Trump administration is once again trying to withhold SNAP funding over data sharing after a court clearly barred them from doing so,” the AG said.
The battle is a continuation of the lengthy lapse in SNAP benefits in November 2025, caused by the most prolonged government shutdown in history, leaving recipients scrambling for food. Benefits were reinstated after the Supreme Court ruled on whether the administration’s attempt to withhold funding was lawful.
Jordyn Woods Scores Major Amazon Deal To Launch Official NBA Merchandise Line
She is selling hoodies, t-shirts, and tank tops from various NBA teams
Jordyn Woods has announced on social media that she is now selling NBA merchandise on Amazon.
Woods, who is currently dating New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns, is selling various sports items from NBA teams on the marketplace website. She announced to her fans that she has partnered with Amazon through its influencer program.
Several items listed include hoodies, t-shirts, and tank tops with insignia from various NBA teams (New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, etc.). NBA merchandise ranges from $19.99 tank tops to $49.99 hoodies.
The entrepreneur recently celebrated her beau’s 30th birthday with a surprise party. One of the gifts she presented to him had great sentimental value: a vehicle that resembled the car his mother drove when he was much younger, according to ESPN. The vehicle was a black 1990s Isuzu Trooper.
Towns’ mother, Jacqueline Towns, died in April 2020 from COVID-19.
In a social media post, Woods explained why she got the vehicle, had it repaired, and then gave it to him.
“During the summer, Karl asked me if I could drive any car for a day, which one would it be. I answered, and his response was, ‘I wouldn’t pick anything crazy, I just really loved my mom’s car she had when I was a kid.’
“So I went on a mission these past months to find the car, shipped it across the country, got it fixed up, and was able to surprise him with it today for his 30th!”
Jealous Ex-Girlfriend Gets Life Sentence After Traveling Across States To Kill Ex’s New Woman
Despite claims of self defense, a Florida jury found Sakiyna Thompson guilty of first-degree murder.
A New York woman received a life sentence in prison for traveling across the country to get revenge on her ex’s new girlfriend.
Prosecutors allege that Sakiyna Thompson traveled down to South Florida from New York with the intention of killing Kayla Hodgson in July 2022. According to NBC Miami, the 31-year-old woman arrived at Hodgson’s apartment at 5 a.m. to confront her about dating her ex. The issue then escalated as the jealous ex-girlfriend stabbed the 23-year-old unsuspecting woman to death.
Thompson was charged with first-degree murder, for which she was later convicted by a jury this October. A Florida judge then delivered the lifetime sentence to the woman.
Ahead of her sentencing, multiple loved ones of Hodgson spoke about her killing. A cousin referred to Thompson as “wicked” for taking Hodgson’s life, seemingly because the boyfriend moved on.
“What she did was wicked and evil and a person like her, it’s important they never see the light of day again,” said Hodgson’s cousin, Melanie John.
However, Thompson’s defense team previously argued that the ex-girlfriend committed the act in self-defense. They claimed that Hodgson actually struck Thompson first, cutting her stomach while she was pregnant at the time. Thompson stated that she blacked out during the confrontation and did not remember killing the woman. Her team also deemed the fatal stabbing as not premeditated.
Despite this, prosecutors shared that Thompson arrived at the hotel incognito, wearing a hat and a face mask used during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also reportedly used a fake Uber account to get to Hodgson’s place.
However, Hodgson’s family called out Thompson’s story, calling it a “crock of garbage” to evade accountability.
“How about the audacity of you to come up on this stand and waste taxpayer dollars and tell them a crock of garbage to everyone about your blackout reasoning,” said another relative of Hodgson.
After the jury deliberated for one hour on the verdict, they found Thompson guilty of first-degree murder. Now, Hodgson’s family believes that justice has been served on behalf of their slain loved one.
“I feel like I can finally start some type of healing,” said another cousin, Alisha Mitchell. “It will never be the same; we will forever miss her. The way she died, it will never really sit right with us. At least the person responsible is being held accountable.”
